Any good FM tuners around for less than $200?

It takes so long for a new thread to be posted on Audiogon that I usually don't check back for a day or so, but I actually somehow forgot I had started this one until today, and look at all of the responses!

I have had a bit of a financial setback in my "play money" fund - turns out I am going to have to spend $450 to get a tree trimmed before it causes damage to someone or something - so my tuner purchase is going to have to wait for a while, but it looks as if I have PLENTY of research to do!

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions! :-)

Holly

The best vintage tuner is the one most recently aligned.
If you don't want to get it aligned, which for most IS a hassle, don't buy one.

I was a tree worker for some years many years ago. I once had a job of removing a big old antenna mounted on the top of a big spruce tree:) Antenna placement does matter.
I use the MD ST-2 whip antenna mounted with a hose clamp on an outside terrace railing.

I would like to get a tuner from the heyday of radio, but finding someone local who can do the alignment would probably not be easy, Schubert, so I guess you would have to trust the seller when she/he says they did do the essential service/alignment work. With my lack of expertise, I certainly can't get a tuner listed as needing work, or just "it turns on" with no further explanation. Of course, I want perfection, and all for less than $200. :-p

I will be looking into antennas at some point; so far two folks in this thread have recommended the Magnum Dynalab (MD) antennas, so I will definitely take a look at them. First I need to get the tuner, find out what sort of reception I get with just a cheapie indoor antenna that I have on hand, and go from there.

Holly

Given that you have an interest in vintage tube tuners, and that your listening needs are "occasional," and that you would prefer not to spend more than $200, you may want to consider looking for one of the many such tuners that were made in the late 1950's and early 1960's that are monophonic.

Those typically sell for MUCH lower prices than their stereo counterparts that were made in approximately the same period, and later. Also, many of those mono tuners provide a "multiplex out" signal that can be connected to a separate stereo "multiplex adapter," should you decide to add one at a later time, the combination of those two components comprising a stereo tuner.

I should add, though, that the best multiplex adapters, such as the Fisher MPX-100 and the H. H. Scott 335 and LM35, typically sell for well upwards of $250 if in top condition.

Another point to be aware of is that tuner sensitivity and antenna quality are significantly less critical if your listening is in mono rather than in stereo, as stereo is much more hiss prone than mono when signal strength is marginal.

Finally, I'll mention that I've had several 30 to 60 year old vintage tube tuners that have performed very well without apparently ever having been realigned. Although I've also had some clunkers in that respect, and of course tubes and capacitors can be major uncertainties as well.

Regards,
-- Al